Gum correction: What you should know about the procedure, costs and benefits

This article is all about gum correction: advantages and disadvantages, areas of application and reimbursement of costs.

Healthy, well-formed gums play a crucial role in a beautiful smile and overall dental health.

However, if the gums are uneven, too much or too little gum is visible or if they have receded due to a disease, gum correction (also known as gingivoplasty) can be an effective solution.

In this detailed article, you will learn everything you need to know about gum corrections: what they are, when they are used, how much they cost, what the advantages and disadvantages are and who covers the costs.

What is a gum correction?

Gum reshaping is a dental surgical procedure in which the gums are reshaped or reconstructed to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy appearance.

This procedure can be performed in various forms, depending on the problems with the gums.

The most common procedures include removing excess gum tissue, restoring receding gums and adjusting the gum line to create a more harmonious smile.

When is gum correction used?

Gum correction may be necessary for aesthetic or medical reasons. Here are some typical situations in which gum correction is used:

1. Gummy smile (gummy smile): If too much gum is visible when smiling, this can detract from the appearance. A gum correction can remove the excess gums and make the smile look more harmonious.
2. Uneven gums: If the gum line is uneven, the teeth may appear different lengths. A correction can even out the course of the gums and create a symmetrical appearance.
3. Gum recession: If the gums have receded due to periodontitis or other diseases, the roots of the teeth may be exposed, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay. Gum grafting or reconstruction can restore the gums.
4. Gum pockets: Severe gum disease can cause deep pockets to form between the tooth and gum where bacteria can colonize. Gum correction can help to reduce these pockets and improve dental health.
5. Crown lengthening: When preparing for a dental crown or bridge, it may be necessary to cut back the gums to expose more of the tooth surface.

How does gum correction work?

The course of a gum correction depends on the type of procedure you need. Here is an overview of the most common procedures:

1. Gum removal (gingivectomy): During a gingivectomy, excess gum tissue is removed to make the teeth appear longer or to correct a gummy smile. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The gums are precisely cut and shaped using a scalpel or laser.
2. Gum grafting (gingivoplasty): In a gingivoplasty, gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth, usually the palate, and transplanted to the affected area to restore receded gums. The procedure is also performed under local anesthesia.
3. Gum tightening: This procedure is performed to reduce deeper gum pockets caused by periodontitis. The gums are cleaned and reattached to the tooth to create a firmer connection.
4. Crown lengthening: Crown lengthening involves cutting back the gum to expose more of the tooth surface before a crown or bridge is placed. This may also require the removal of bone.

How much does a gum correction cost?

The cost of gum correction can vary greatly depending on the type of procedure, the extent of the treatment and the dental practice. On average, the cost is between 300 and 2,500 euros per tooth, depending on the complexity and technique used.

• Gingivectomy: A simple gum removal usually costs between 300 and 600 euros per tooth.
• Gingivoplasty (gum grafting): The cost of a gum graft is often between 600 and 1,500 euros per tooth.
• Crown lengthening: Crown lengthening can cost between 800 and 2,500 euros, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Who covers the costs of gum correction?

The cost of gum correction depends on whether the procedure is performed for aesthetic or medical reasons:

• Statutory health insurance: Statutory health insurance usually only covers the costs if gum correction is medically necessary, e.g. for periodontitis treatment or in preparation for a dental crown. The costs are usually not covered for aesthetic procedures.
• Private health insurance: Depending on the contract, private health insurance companies often cover a larger proportion of the costs, especially if the procedure is carried out for medical reasons. Here too, you should check your individual contract.
• Supplementary dental insurance: If you have supplementary dental insurance, this may cover some or all of the costs of gum correction, depending on the terms of the policy.

Advantages and disadvantages of gum correction

Advantages:

1. Aesthetic improvement: Gum correction can significantly improve the smile by harmonizing the gums and creating an even appearance.
2. Improved dental health: In the case of a medically necessary correction, the procedure can help to treat or prevent gum disease by reducing bacterial pockets and strengthening the gums.
3. Tooth root protection: By restoring receding gums, exposed tooth roots are protected, reducing the risk of tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.

Disadvantages:

1. Costs: The costs for a gum correction can be high, especially if the procedure is performed for aesthetic reasons and the insurance does not cover the costs.
2. Healing time: After the operation, it may take some time for the gums to heal completely. During this time, you must take special precautions with your oral hygiene and diet.
3. Pain and discomfort: While the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, there may be some pain and swelling after the operation, but this can be managed with pain medication and good aftercare.

Conclusion: When does gum correction make sense?

Gum correction can be useful for both aesthetic and medical reasons.

If you suffer from uneven gum line, a gummy smile or receding gums, this procedure can improve your smile and protect your dental health in the long term.

It is important to weigh up the pros and cons and seek advice from an experienced dentist to make the best decision for your individual needs.

FAQs on the subject of gum correction

Here we answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about gum correction.